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What's The Future Of Your Technology Capabilities?

Forbes Technology Council
POST WRITTEN BY
Gilles Muys

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If we’ve learned anything from this health crisis, it’s that cloud technology is essential for keeping your company not only functioning, but also competitive.

Although the remote work model was crisis-driven for many companies, the emergence of cloud computing capabilities may indicate that an outsourced, remote work environment could become a permanent fixture in business models.

If your organization seemed unprepared to operate at full throttle, here are three indicators that now is the time to implement cloud technology and other digital processes.

1. Prepare for the long term

Almost all businesses go through a natural cycle that includes periods of robust growth as well as lulls. Businesses do their best to predict when their growth periods will start, how long they’ll last, and how intense they’ll be — and try to engage in long-term enterprise resource planning accordingly.

However, when businesses upgrade to cloud technology, they no longer need to play guessing games with their long-term IT infrastructure needs. Cloud software gives businesses the flexibility to pay for only the capacity they need at the present time. That’s because unlike on-premises solutions, cloud technology is fully scalable; the cloud software provider can adjust your cloud resources at any time.

2. Transition to cost-saving technology

Cloud technology is here to stay based on a couple of reasons. First, it withstands vulnerabilities such as those created by current events. And its ability to stand alone from being infrastructure-dependent makes it cost-effective. You don’t have to invest directly in the hardware and software footprint. These significant upfront investments are often the first obstacle to radical organizational changes.

But before you set these plans aside, consider the hidden cost of trying to grow a company based on an ineffective sales process. Experts estimate that only 25% of leads advance to sales. This means your sales process needs to be able to identify those leads quickly and accurately.

Cloud technologies have always been attractive because you avoid the upfront cost and can easily manage expenses based on the ups and downs of your growth. Prepare to see your company using cloud computing software in the long term, and plan accordingly.

3. Consider adopting a hybrid of cloud and on-premises solutions

For a new system implementation to succeed, don’t view it as technology-driven. Instead, business leaders need to consider the business angle and how their workforce will react to the changes in their workflow.

Many businesses are under the mistaken impression that cloud software is an all-or-nothing proposition. The reality is that most companies operate using a hybrid of cloud and on-premises technology solutions. They are incrementally migrating more and more of their systems to the cloud, but they’re doing so at a pace that works for them.

An experienced cloud vendor can help determine what similar clients have done. Whether or not you’re ready to switch completely to the cloud, you may find that a hybrid works better for your company.

Switching to cloud computing is a strategic step for these changing times. By preparing for long-term growth, investing in a streamlined sales process and considering ways to customize changes in automation to optimize workflow, your organization will be prepared for exciting growth despite global challenges.

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